Objective: SWBAT demonstrate an understanding of the text Grandfather's Journey by inferring and referring to details and examples during a close read.

Big Idea:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the story Grandfather's Journey by inferring and referring to details and examples as they ask and answer text-based questions during a close read.

I ask students have they ever wondered what life's journey included for their grandparents? As we read the story "Grandfather's Journey," we'll find out how the author Allen Say came to know and understand some of the things his grandfather loved and experienced in his lifetime. To provide some context, we'll first watch a short Brainpop video about causes of World War II - the deadliest conflict in human history. I use this video resource because WWII is a primary reason that the author's grandfather does not return to California towards the end of his life. I think it is important for students to understand the causes and effects of WWII on the grandfather's life.

(Students will first read the story "Grandfather's Journey" independently. As they read, ask them to note any questions they have along the way.)

After students have independently read "Grandfather's Journey," we now take time to do a close read and answer any questions they have noted. (After students ask and answer their own questions, teacher will use questions on the attached Powerpoint presentation to guide a close reading of the story.)

Resources

To close our lesson, we take a few minutes and write a list of interview questions students will ask one of their grandparents (or someone who is old enough to be your grandparent) tonight for homework in order to gain a better understanding of their life experiences. We'll share our findings on tomorrow.

I taught a lesson on Grandfather's Journey to my students in November of this year and felt they did not understand it well, so I used many of the ideas from your lesson plan to reteach the same lesson this month (May). Thanks for the use of a creative and well written lesson plan.